Tag: Plateau

  • REA inaugurates 550kWp solar mini-grid for Plateau

    REA inaugurates 550kWp solar mini-grid for Plateau

    The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday inaugurated its 550kWp solar hybrid mini- grid project in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The project is targeted at electrifying 3,500 households.

    Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Abubakar Aliyu, an engineer, who was represented by the Executive Director, Doris Ugoh, said: “Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande Communities: For the Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities, the completion of this 550 kWp interconnected mini-grid is a game-changer. Bakin Ciyawa now has a 390 kWp system, and Kwande has a 160 kWp system.

    “Together, these systems will provide clean and sustainable electricity to over 3,500 households and countless micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).”

    He further said the reliable electricity would unlock new economic opportunities, support local businesses, and improve access to key services such as education and healthcare.

    He urged the communities to protect the project.

    He stressed that while some communities are sweating to upgrade to the quantum of the project, 10,000 communities have been mapped out, while over 20, 000 communities across the Federation have are not been electrified.

    According to him, protecting the project would encourage the agency extend the solar project to its adjoining communities.

    He said with the commissioning of the project, the communities would experience economic boom and expansion.

    Aliyu explained that the project is an Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme (IMAS). He said the commissioning is part of the Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme (IMAS), which was established to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s mini-grid market and provide clean, renewable energy to underserved communities.

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    Aliyu said: “Through this scheme, we aim to reach 125,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria, across the six geopolitical regions, with the collaboration of our development partners, including German Cooperation, European Union (EU), and GIZ. As part of this effort, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is driving the implementation and scaling of mini-grids to help tackle energy poverty, improve the standard of living, and support socio-economic growth.”

    On Carbon Emission Reduction and Environmental Impact, he said one of the most profound benefits of the solar mini-grids is impact on the environment.

    The REA boss said by replacing traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources such as diesel generators and kerosene, the mini-grids are significantly reducing carbon emissions.

    He said the 550 kWp system installed in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande will reduce an estimated 600 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

    He further said the carbon emission reduction is equivalent to taking approximately 130 cars off the road or planting about 15,000 trees each year.

    Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang Manasseh recalled that last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the state government and REA to lighten up the rural communities in Plateau State.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Cornelius Doeyok, he  was thankful to the agency for accepting to partner with the State to bring light to the rural communities.

     He also recalled “also that a 1.2 billion counterpart funding was paid to enable our primary health clinics get lighted through projects like this.

    “And this he is doing to enable the rural communities to key into preventive medicine. Because most of our medicines get spoiled because we don’t have the facilities to keep them.”

     Speaking, the German Ambassador, Dr. Karin Jansin, described the project as very important to her country and Plateau State.

    According to her, more than 20,000 people would benefit from the project.

     She added that the project would aid job creation, especially for agriculture, industries and many other areas.

    The Community Head, Hubert Isah said citing the project in the area, shows that the Federal Government has not forgotten the rural areas.

  • Expert seeks reform to halt post-harvest losses

    Expert seeks reform to halt post-harvest losses

    Nigeria is losing N3.5 trillion annually due to post-harvest losses, a crisis that could be significantly mitigated through proper packaging, according to Ahmed Omah, a global ambassador for the World Packaging Organisation.

    At a press conference ahead of the 10th edition of Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria, slated for next month at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Omah said although packaging is critical for preserving food quality, extending the shelf life, and reducing waste, Nigeria still experiences significant losses in its agricultural output.

    “Between the farm gate and your dining table, N3.5 trillion worth of food is lost every year and people are saying they are hungry.

    “So, packaging will extend the shelf life of this food. Packaging will help you move food from the farm gates to the dining table, keeping it fresh the same way it left the farm, extending the life; giving you nutritious food to eat,” he stated.

    He underscored the urgent need for the country to embrace packaging as a critical industry, as seen in developed economies.

    He lamented that no Nigerian university currently offers packaging as a standalone course, a stark contrast to countries where packaging is a specialised field of study from undergraduate to PhD levels.

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    He said: “For most countries around the world, in their tertiary institution, they offer packaging as a course that stands alone.

    “There is no Nigerian university that is offering packaging as a course. I schooled in Michigan State University School of Packaging. Packaging stands as a complete faculty where people have to study packaging from a first degree up to PhD level.”

    The event, now in its 10th year, is a major platform showcasing advances in printing, packaging, and plastics in Nigeria and across Africa. Omah, who is also the President of the African Packaging Organisation, emphasised that while Nigeria has long practiced traditional packaging, the lack of formal education and structured documentation has hindered progress.

    “It’s not that we’ve not been packaging, but like they say, an educated man without a certificate is like he has no education. So for us, we need to put down what we have been doing, document it and be able to transfer it.

    “It’s not that we’ve not been cooking -our grandparents have been cooking, but they don’t have cookery books. They have been doing cassava and basket and palm wine, whatever, but these things are not documented. The same thing you have with our medicine -our traditional medicine is lost because they are not documented.

    “So, the people in the international community will say, look, these people do not have a record. That’s why the world does not recognise it,” he explained.

    He further noted that packaging extends beyond food, playing a vital role in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and other industries. By branding, instructing, and securing products, packaging ensures they reach their final destination in optimal condition. 

    Omah stressed that the government must prioritise packaging education and regulation to align with global standards. He revealed that his organisation is collaborating with UNIDO and pushing for legislation that will institutionalise packaging education in Nigeria.

    “We need an act of parliament to make packaging a structured industry in Nigeria, just as it is in developed countries. That’s where we are heading,” he affirmed.

  • EU eyes 2mw from hydropower in Plateau

    EU eyes 2mw from hydropower in Plateau

    The European Union (EU) has said it is exploring the potential for small hydropower generation in partnership with Plateau state government.

    Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz said this during the delegation’s visit to the state to assess the Assop falls which is being speculated to have the potential to generate about two megawatts of electricity.

    She said the EU is in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power in driving the diversification of electricity generation to other renewable energy sources like small hydro power to provide clean, safe, affordable, and renewable energy sources to the people of Plateau state to power agro processing activities, productive use of energy and boosting the economy of the state.

    According to her, the EU is working with the Plateau state government and other stakeholders to evaluate the technical, financial, and environmental feasibility of the small hydropower site.

    She said: “Plateau State, with its rich agricultural potential, could benefit greatly from reliable energy, boosting crop production and agro-processing.”

    Managing Director of the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Ponzing Gamde, stated that the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the implementer of the project on behalf of the European Union, is conducting a feasibility study to determine the potential capacity of the hydropower project.

    He said: “UNIDO is currently conducting a feasibility study here. They have done their preliminary data collection and will now come up with a design to know the potential capacity that can be generated from here.

    “With this power, there will also be an improvement of cultural activities. The power will ensure activities don’t stop at certain points.”

    A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Owen Dagogot expressed full support for the project.

    Dagogot said: “This place is going to be utilized
    to its full potential. It is an advantage because you already have a solid ground. Foundations are openly on firm ground.”

    Director of Technical Services at the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Sam Gyang Yakubu, noted that while the dam construction typically takes time, the timeline for this project could be as short as two to three years.

    “Evacuation is not going to be a challenge here, based on the way we have set up the whole layout,” he said.

    A representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Dina Temitope, said: “For us at the ministry, we’ve had this vision 30:30, which is generating 30 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30 percent of our energy needs coming from renewable sources.”

    Programme Manager, Energy and Circular Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to sustainability.

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    He said: “We want to be sure that EU taxpayers’ money is fully utilised. It’s not a donation. You could transport all the power from here to any other agricultural hub where pre-processing is happening within the state”

    Head of GIZ’s Sustainability Energy Access component, Eckhard Heine, said: “We are in dialogue with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to disseminate the information they have, so we can engage the state level effectively.”

    Technical Adviser at GIZ, Alexander Akolo, noted that the Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang, recently passed the State Electricity Law, which contains areas for improvement.

    Akolo stated: “We can support reviewing it (the Law) because of the support in developing other instruments like mini-grid policy for the state.”

  • NiMet predicts delayed onset of rainfall in Plateau, Benue, Niger, five others in 2025

    NiMet predicts delayed onset of rainfall in Plateau, Benue, Niger, five others in 2025

    …Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Rivers, nine others to witness early onset of rains

    …Flood likely in May-June in coastal cities

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released the 2025 seasonal Climate Prediction for the country.

    According to the prediction, eight northern and central states would experience delayed onset of rainfall this year. 

    The states are; Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara.

    The Agency also predicted that Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi would witness early onset of rainfall.

    This was disclosed in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo during the unveiling of the 2025 SCP with the theme: “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development”.

    The earliest onset date of rainy season is expected over the coastal area of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and parts of Delta between 23rd February and 10th March.

    The cessation date of rainfall is predicted to be between 6th October and 17th December across the country.

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    The Agency also forecasted that high-intensity rainfall is expected in May-June that may result in flash floods in the coastal cities.

    Generally, the forecast shows that in 2025, the total rainfall amount in most parts of the country is likely to be normal to below normal when compared to the long-term average.

    Highlighting the prediction, Keyamo said: “As with previous years, there are pre-onset rainfall activities that should not be confused with the actual onset of the rainy season. Those engaged in rainfed agriculture and other-rainfall-dependent activities in Nigeria are advised to refer to the predicted onset dates or consult NiMet for proper guidance.

    “The onset of rain is predicted to be delayed over the northern and central states of Plateau as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara. While early onset is expected over the southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. The rest of the country is predicted to have a normal onset.

    “Earlier than the long-term average end-of-rainy season is predicted over parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states. A delayed end of season is expected over parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu states.

    “The predicted length of rainy season in 2025 is expected to be mostly normal across the country. However, Borno and parts of Yobe states could experience shorter than normal length of season. Lagos and Nasarawa states are likely to have longer than normal length of seasons in 2025.

    “A normal to below-normal annual rainfall is anticipated in most parts of Nigeria compared to the long-term average. Parts of Kebbi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos Abia, Akwa Ibom states, and the FCT are expected to have above-normal annual rainfall amounts. High-intensity rainfall is expected in May-June that may likely result in flash floods in the coastal cities”.

    The Minister also noted that some parts of the country would experience dry spells between April and August.

    He said: “During the April-May-June season, there is a likelihood of a severe dry spell of above 15 days after the establishment of rainfall in Oyo state (Saki, Iseyin, Ogbomosho, Atisbo, Orelope, Itesiwaju, Olorunsogo, Kajola, Iwajowa and Ori Ire). Moderate dry spell that may last up to 15 days is likely to occur in Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states in the south. However, for the northern states, a severe dry spell that may last up to 21 days is predicted for the June-July-August season of 2025.

    “The Little Dry Season (LDS), also known as ‘August Break’ is predicted to begin by late July and would be severe only in parts of Lagos and Ogun states. The number of days with little or no rainfall will range between 27 to 40 days.

    Moderate LDS effect is expected over parts of Ogun, Oyo, and Ekiti states. Osun, Oyo, Kwara, and parts of Ondo north are likely to experience light or mild LDS”.

    The temperatures are predicted to be warmer than the long-term average over most parts of the country between February and May.

    “Temperatures are expected to be generally above the long-term average across the country. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are predicted to be warmer than the long-term average over most parts of the country in January, February, March, and May 2025. 

    However, April day and nighttime temperatures are predicted to be generally cooler than normal, while warmer than normal temperatures are likely over most of the northern states”.

    On the importance of the SCP, the minister said: “Timely climate predictions will enable farmers to optimize farming schedules thereby improving the nation’s food system security; disaster managers to prepare for emergencies and minimise risks; and health authorities to anticipate disease outbreaks linked to weather and climate variations.

    “Over recent years, we have continued to observe unprecedented weather patterns that have tested our preparedness and resilience. From consistent warmer-than-normal temperatures to flash floods, the extremes of our climate are increasingly evident. These events serve as reminders that we must remain vigilant and proactive. We must continue to invest in sustainable practices, strengthen our infrastructure, and support communities that are most vulnerable to climate change impacts. The SCPs are not just about forecasting, they are about shaping our response to the challenges ahead”.

    The Minister added that the prediction serves as an early warning tool to stakeholders, governments at all levels, and the general public for timely preparedness against potential hazards associated with surplus or deficit rains, floods, and high or low temperatures, as well as dry spells in parts of the country, among others. 

    He expressed hope that all stakeholders will use the information provided in the SCP to make informed decisions that will improve productivity and reduce the risk of exposure to weather and climate-related disasters in 2025.

    The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike said the SCP requires actions from stakeholders for its effectiveness.

    “As with all weather and climate predictions, the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), aside from being perishable also requires actors who will uptake the information, utilise it, and provide feedback for evaluation and improvement of the document.”

    The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar said it is on record that weather and climatic elements impact heavily on all forms of human activities and across socio-economic sectors.

    She said the SCP enables NEMA to conduct expert analysis of disaster risk implications and produce disaster early warning messages for delivery to emergency responders to support the protection of lives, critical national assets and the entire cultural landscape in Nigeria.

    The DG, while stating the importance of the SCP, noted that the annual flood disasters could have been worse if not for the SCP.

    She said NEMA would convene a meeting of experts from all relevant partners to analyze the disaster risk implication of the 2025 SCP.

    “We would develop necessary advisories for downscaling to State and Local Government authorities to support sub-national level disaster preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery planning. As we are all aware, the negative impacts of the annually recurring flood disaster in Nigeria could have been more devastating without the early warning information developed out of the NiMet SCP which is downscaled to the various end-user agencies and the general public by NEMA”.

  • EU launches solar project to power 25 healthcare facilities in Plateau

    EU launches solar project to power 25 healthcare facilities in Plateau

    The European Union (EU) has launched the Solar for Health Projet support a minimum of 25 healthcare facilities in Plateau State and improve energy access and enhance overall healthcare services.

    The organisation said the project is targeted at ensuring that healthcare facilities in Plateau State have unhindered access to reliable electricity for medical equipment, providing better healthcare services for local communities.

    The project, which is funded by the EU, in partnership with the Plateau State government, underscores the importance of clean energy in improving the quality of life, particularly in rural healthcare settings.

    The EU has committed 1.7 million euros for overall project implementation by NTU International and 8.7 million euros for infrastructure managed by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

    Speaking during the launch of the Solar for Health project, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy sector through initiatives like Solar for Health.

    She stated that the project marked a significant step in the partnership between the EU and Plateau state, aiming to ensure reliable and clean energy in healthcare facilities.

    The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, welcomed the initiative, stressing the critical role energy plays in providing quality healthcare.

    Mutfwang noted that energy access was crucial for powering life-saving equipment and ensuring effective medical care.

    “Without energy, our healthcare services are limited. This project is a game changer for Plateau State, and we are committed to its success,” the governor said.

    In addition to the launch, Governor Mutfwang inaugurated the Plateau State Solar for Health Project Steering Committee.

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    The committee, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the project, includes representatives from the EU, GIZ, NTU International, and the Plateau State Government.

    Also, the committee will be chaired by the Managing Director, Plateau State Energy Corporation, Pongzing Gambe, with the Commissioner for Health, Cletus Shurkuk, serving as co-chair.

    Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Samuel Jatau, who was appointed as the Chairman of the state steering committee thanked the governor for the honor to serve and lead the committee and pledged that him and all members of the team will deliver to ensure the successful implementation of the project in the state.

    The Solar for Health project is part of the broader EU Global Gateway initiative, which aims to promote investment in smart, sustainable infrastructure across the world, including in the areas of energy, health, and education.

  • Plateau farmers granted $250,000 community revolving fund for food production

    Plateau farmers granted $250,000 community revolving fund for food production

    • Launches 10 tractors for ten farming communities

    The World Bank has disbursed the sum of $250,000 (about N5b) to ten groups of farmers as empowerment in Plateau State as a community revolving fund aimed at sustainable agricultural activities in promotion of food security in the state.

    The fund disbursement through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL) Plateau State project was an initiative of the World Bank meant to enhance livelihood and transform the living condition of the vulnerable communities in this state.

    Country Director of World Bank, Ndiame Diop, made this known during the fund disbursement ceremony held at New Government House Little Rayfield, Jos yesterday.

    Diop said, “As you know, desertification and climate change is already threatening agriculture, which is a key source of likelihood of people in Plateau State. Agriculture productivity is under pressure of declining because of the variety of rainfalls; food security is threatened and poverty efforts at reducing poverty are being threatened by climate change.

    “To this end, Plateau State is partnering with the World Bank, with the federal government to help vulnerable communities adapt to the climate impact while improving the livelihood of the vulnerable people in the communities”

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    While announcing the $250,000 project sum, Diop said, “This investment is part of Acrisal complements range of investments around Land Management, water management within the comprehensive framework around A10 year watershed management plan.

    “The fund will operate as a loan programme designed to support community groups in implementing community climate resilient initiatives. This financial support is specifically targeted toward ACRESAL registered Community Interest groups (CIGs) across the state in targeted watershed.

    In his remarks of appreciation, the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, charged the state project coordinator to ensure strict supervision of the fund implementation, and that the ten tractors were distributed to ten farming communities.

    He said, “I want you to team up together and determine to make a success of this. This is not your share of the National Cake, this is not Father Christmas. Don’t become the reason why another community will not make progress, because it is out of the success you make that you return the fund and that others can benefit from it.”

    He assured that no kobo would be lost under his watch.

  • Plateau governor’s wife gives gifts to New Year babies

    Plateau governor’s wife gives gifts to New Year babies

    The wife of the Plateau Governor, Mrs. Helen Mutfwang, on Wednesday visited hospitals and gave gifts to babies born on New Year’s Day.

    Mrs Mutfwang, who was at three selected public hospitals, said that the newborns brought tremendous joy to the world, should be celebrated, and their parents given support.

    The governor’s wife described the birth of a child as one of life’s most beautiful gifts, and communities should celebrate new beginnings and the infinite potential each child holds.

    She congratulated the mothers and encouraged those waiting delivery to give it all it takes to birth their babies when it is time.

    Some of the mothers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said they were overwhelmed with joy to see the governor’s wife and added that the cash and provisions were timely.

    Mrs Naomi Keneth, who delivered her baby boy at 12 midnight at Our Lady of Apostle (OLA) Hospital, said that the visit was phenomenal and thanked the governor’s wife.

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    Another mother, Husaibatu Usman, who had her baby also at 12 a.m. at the state Primary Health Centre Angwan Rimi, said she is thankful for the support given to her and her baby.

    At the Plateau Specialist Hospital, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Izang Abel, thanked Mrs Mutfwang for her kind gesture.

    NAN reports that 47 babies were given baby clothing, provisions, and cash gifts by the governor’s wife.(NAN)

  • New year: Mutfwang pardons 11 inmates in Plateau

    New year: Mutfwang pardons 11 inmates in Plateau

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has ordered the release of 11 inmates in the various correctional centres in the state.

    Mutfwang disclosed this in a New Year State Broadcast on Wednesday in Jos.

    The governor said that the gesture was in line with the constitutional powers conferred on him and recommendations of the Plateau State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

    “In exercise of the powers conferred on me under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and in consultation with the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, hereby exercise my power of Prerogative of Mercy on 11 inmates

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    “While one of the inmates was granted absolute pardon, 10 others had Thier finest paid by the government,”he said.

    The governor said the beneficiaries were remorseful over the crimes committed, hence the recommendation by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

    (NAN)

  • Plateau’s security improved in 2024, says Mutfwang

    Plateau’s security improved in 2024, says Mutfwang

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State stated on Friday that security in the state had improved significantly in 2024, with no major breaches reported.

    Mutfwang made this remark while speaking to State House correspondents following his visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

    “I came to see the President, who has been very concerned about the security situation in Plateau. You will recall that in 2023, around this time, Plateau State was in mourning.

    “The President has been deeply concerned, and now we’ve been able to celebrate Christmas with relative peace, moving towards the New Year,” Mutfwang said.

    The governor noted that the security situation in the state had improved significantly this year compared to last, due to the efforts of the security forces.

    “The security forces are on the ground and doing their best.

    “We have also invested heavily in technology and mobilised our communities,’’ he said.

    Though acknowledging that not all challenges had been resolved, with a few incidents still occurring, Mutfwang emphasised that the overall situation was improving.

    “With the support of Mr. President, I can assure you that we will not take our foot off the pedal,” he said.

    He further assured the public that his administration would continue to make it harder for criminal activities to thrive within the state’s borders.

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    “Our goal is to reassure our people and instill confidence in Nigerians, especially those who are considering investing in Plateau.

    “I want to tell them that the climate is right, the environment is conducive, and I believe that 2025 will be an even better year.”

    (NAN)

  • NYSC DG commends Plateau 1987/88 alumni for patriotic reunion

    NYSC DG commends Plateau 1987/88 alumni for patriotic reunion

    The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), YD Ahmed, has praised the Plateau State Alumni of the 1987/88 set for organizing their reunion.

    Represented by the Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, Ahmed spoke at the event themed “Together Again,” which took place on Saturday in Lagos.

    He described the reunion as a celebration of enduring friendships and a reflection of patriotism, commending the group for their commitment to fostering unity and contributing to national development.

    “I felicitate with this set. It is the fact that friendship is beautiful and profitable if there is a common goal. You are patriots. You want a better nation.

    “Despite the major encumberances, you are back together. All Nigerians want a better nation and consequently means we are yet to see our best yet,” he said.

    In her speech, the state coordinator, Mrs Salmwang urged them to continue being beacon of hope and remain united in their association. 

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    She noted that Service is beyond serving one’s fatherland but to make lasting friendship.

    The coordinator, therefore, beseeched parents to encourage their children to put in their best during service.

    “Continue being beacon of hope in your respective association. 

    “Remain united in your pursuit for a better Nigeria. I wish you success in all your endeavors. 

    “Service is beyond serving your fatherland but to make lasting friendship. 

    “Let’s encourage our children to put in their best during service. We see some of them absconding,” she said.

    In his opening remarks, the chairman of the set,  Seyi Oyesiku appreciated the creator of NYSC, noting that it has created unity and love across length and breadth of the nation. 

    He, therefore, urged members not to  allow the spirit of togetherness to die.